MT Says New Porsche Cayman S is a Sports Car ‘In the Classic Sense’

The Porsche Cayman S is no longer a car for those who could not afford a 911, as you can specify it to match and even surpass its bigger brother in terms of pricing. I mean, the example MotorTrend magazine tested costs a whopping $101,200, apparently because it had a few options each worth “seven grand.” Still, it is explained that can enjoy this car, even if all you specify is the PDK gearbox and the sports exhaust system.
Starting at $64,750, it definitely makes a lot more sense, especially since you’ll never get the money you paid for options back when it comes time to sell it on (if you don’t decide to pass it on to your grand-kids, which would be understandable, since everybody seems to like this car a lot).
It is argued that with 325-horsepower, and its engine mounted in the middle, it is not “overburdened” with excessive amounts of power and therefore is more of an old-style sports car (a bit along the lines of the Toyota GT-86).
In addition, like the Japanese car, some criticize it for the lack of low-down torque, despite having a claimed figure of 272 lb-ft (370 Nm) and a relatively low overall weight. If you don’t have the cash to afford this one now, you can look for a second hand model within a few years’ time – if it’s built like Porsches should be, then you won’t really notice it having had a former owner, and you can always get one of those ‘new car smell’ air fresheners to complete the experience.

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McLaren MP4-12C Matches the Nissan GT-R’s 0 to 60 MPH Time of 2.8 Seconds

According to official data from McLaren, the MP4-12C sports car covers the sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.1 seconds. Naturally, the car should accelerate to 60 mph (96 km/h) slightly quicker, but by which margin? Well, the people at Drag Times put the MP4-12C to the test and found out the car accelerates from standstill to 60 mph in an impressive 2.8 seconds.
This matches the time set by a 2012 Nissan GT-R, also tested by Drag Times. Taking into account that the Nissan has an advanced AWD system and a brutal 4,100rpm launch control, the McLaren’s result is even more impressive.
The car tested was fitted with Toyo R888 street tires, which are of the same compound and tread wear rating as the factory-fitted Pirelli Corsa tires. The impressive off-the-line acceleration of the McLaren is partly due to its launch control system and the 7-speed SSG transmission, with the 616hp 3.8-liter Twin Turbo V8 engine of course having the decisive role.
Tests revealed the McLaren reached 100 mph (161 km/h) in just 6 seconds flat, 1 second faster than the Nissan. The test drivers said the MP4-12C’s launch control felt much easier and less abusive than the GT-R’s.
Scroll down to see the test video and another video showing a comparison between the McLaren MP4-12C’s launch control system and those of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Ferrari 458, Porsche 911 Turbo S and Nissan GT-R. 



 

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POV Test Drive of the BMW M3 Lime Rock Park Limited Edition

It suffices to say, few enthusiasts wouldn’t be content with owning and driving a BMW M3. It’s amazing how much more of a lasting impression it leaves, compared to its more mundane 3-Series siblings.
Now approaching the end of the road, the current incarnation of the M3 has served well and has definitely earned its status as a desirable car, which is why it will make an excellent second-hand buy, especially after deliveries of its successor start – this will push prices down.
Now, all nice cars are entitled to a befittingly good final sendoff version, and while BMW isn’t necessarily selling the M3 Lime Rock Park Edition from that perspective, it will be remembered as one. Winding Road Magazine has made another one of its trademark POV (Point Of View) video drives, this time centered on this strikingly orange car, one of only 200 specifically built for the US market, all of which share the same paint color finish.
However, starting at $70,995 with destination charges included, it’s about $10,000 more expensive than a normal M3 - that’s a bit steep, and perhaps not worth it for some. At least here, you let BMW choose the (only) color, and not choose it yourself and have them mix it up…

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All-New 2014 BMW X5 Detailed by Company Execs in New Video

The third-generation of the BMW X5 is an evolution of the current model that will certainly be appreciated by some and criticized by others, as design has always been a subjective matter. For those who haven't warmed up to the new X5, maybe a look at the M Sport version will help.
Having already released the essential details about its new SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), BMW has now uploaded a video in which three of its executives talk about the main features of the car.
There’s Wolfgang Breyer, BMW’s head of international advertising, online marketing and social media, Thomas Giuliani, vice president for product management and the person responsible for BMW’s design department, Karim Habib. He says that the new X5’s main design feature is the integration of headlights with the kidney grille, which is arguably the most discussed element of the car.
We’ll let you find out for yourselves what else BMW execs say about the new X5 by watching the video below. 

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Maserati Ghibli Makes First Public Video Appearance in Rotterdam

Often, when you see a new car in its official press photos and videos for the first time, you often get the impression that you’re seeing it in one specific way, and that your perspective is somewhat limited.
Furthermore, some cars may not look that pretty at first, but once user videos and photos start popping up, showing the shape from different angles and in various lighting conditions, one will get a much better idea of what the specific vehicle’s aesthetic qualities really are.
This happened to me with the all-new Maserati Ghibli, the Trident’s attempt at a more mainstream sedan. When the car first came out, and we had the chance to see the first press photos, some were not convinced by the styling. However, now that it is becoming a more common sight on the web, I'm actually beginning to shift towards liking it, especially after watching it do its thing during the possible shooting of one of its ads, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
It may have been the striking blue paint, coupled with the reflections provided by the overcast day chosen for shooting, but this will definitely grab your eye when it passes by, certainly a lot more than, let's say, a BMW 5-Series – facelifted or not. In addition, the three-liter turbocharged V6 doesn’t sound half-bad, easily breathing out through the oversized quad exhausts.
Watch the video, courtesy of YouTube channel,  The Maximumcars, right after the break. 

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BMW F10 5 Series 550i on 20" Vossen VVS-CV3 Concave Wheels / Rims

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VW Golf 7 2013 Light-Tron Tuning-Showcar

Video produced by
Bernd Eckl & Peter Grünbacher
http://www.VolksCarPhoto.com
http://www.facebook.com/VolksCarPhoto

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Get Behind the Wheel of a Manual 2013 BMW M5 with POV Test Drive

I like Winding Road's POV test drives, because they offer the closest thing to actually driving various car, with no chit-chat in the background, no personal opinions and no bias. It’s just a car being driven on an assortment of roads, and you can really get a sense of what it’s like far more than in some other (narrated) reviews.
The latest cars they managed to get their hands on is a 2013 BMW M5. However, it’s not the mainstream version with the eight-cog self-shifting transmission – this one has the six-speed manual.
I don’t really know if it adds to or detracts from the driving experience, but one thing is for sure: you use your right arm and left leg to operate it so it’s definitely more engaging than letting it shift on its own or using the paddles.
However, this manual gearbox doesn’t make me like this new M5 more than the old one because of the dull engine noise – hugely important for me in an M-car - won't give examples, but there are many. It sounds very flat and uninspiring in stock form, and even if you spend time and money to fit a custom exhaust, it won’t make it any better, just louder.
Nevertheless, it’s a hugely powerful and capable machine, and my own personal preference should do nothing to detract from the video drive, which is entertaining and posted after the virtual jump.

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Russian Mercedes-Benz AMG TV Spot Takes it Easy

All those crazy dash-cam videos from Russia that are circulating on the internet would lead you to believe that any car footage related to the land of vodka, babushkas and caviar would entail a crash or at least someone pointing a gun to a motorist.
But it's not always like that, especially when it comes to politically correct television commercials like this one from Mercedes-Benz's AMG performance car division – though, we're pretty sure that a number of viewers would have preferred something a tad more exciting and unpredictable than what the brand with the star came up with here.
The AMG models featured in the promo film include the E63, CLS 63, SLS gullwing coupe, SL63 roadster and the G Wagen. You can check it out for yourself right below the break. 

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Chrome-Wrapped VW Golf Mk7

Have you ever wondered how aftermarket companies apply chrome wrap to cars? Well, if you haven't seen it done before, now is your chance to find out, as UK’s Creative FX firm has shared a “how it’s made” video showing the entire operation of wrapping a VW Golf Mk7 in chrome foil.

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New BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso V12 Coupé

BMW and Pininfarina have blown the covers off their new jointly designed and developed Gran Lusso Coupé in advanced of the one-off model's world premiere at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2013 this weekend.
The large coupe model is the outcome of the first collaboration between BMW and Pininfarina, and it follows the BMW Z4-based Zagato Coupé presented at last year's Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

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Aston Martin Teases New Model, Can You Guess What It Is?

The festivities and special models dedicated to Aston Martin's centenary continue with yet another teaser for a new car, bits and parts of which are shown in a video that was released today.

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